Automotive Safety Goes High Tech

2016/11/14

Automotive manufacturers continue to develop new technology for today’s cars. The purpose of most of this technology is to increase the safety of passengers and the in-vehicle environment. Originally available only in luxury cars, these safety technologies are becoming increasingly common in all vehicle types. Here’s a look at some of these new features!

1. Adaptive cruise control

For long trips on the highway, adaptive cruise control is a major advantage, even in traffic. If your cruise control is set at 100 km/h and a car moves into the lane in front of you, sensors warn the on-board computer to reduce the vehicle’s speed. In some cases, the system can even brake for you if the car’s speed needs to be reduced quickly.

2. Lane departure warning and steering correction

If you drift over the line separating lanes without signaling, an alarm will go off or a warning light on your dashboard will turn on. In some models, the system will adjust the steering wheel and course-correct for you!

3. Automated parallel parking

This system seems almost magical for parallel parking! At an extremely low speed, the vehicle analyzes the free parking space and tells you when to brake. Once you put the car into reverse, the car parks itself—you don’t have to touch the wheel or the brakes!

4. Automatic braking

Your vehicle is equipped with several sensors that warn the on-board computer of any changes in your environment in real time. For instance, if a child or a cyclist suddenly appears behind you while you’re backing up, the car will brake automatically. Your car can also detect the vehicle in front of you. If it stops abruptly, the system will sense it and brake to avoid a collision.

5. Route recognition and analysis

Some infotainment systems can recognize your driving habits. For instance, if you drive your kids to daycare every morning at seven thirty and pick them up at four in the afternoon, your car’s GPS can remember your route and suggest an alternative by analyzing the road system in case of congestion.

In the future, automotive manufacturers aim to develop increasingly effective self-driving vehicles with vastly improved “intervehicle” communication for increased safety. Though these technologies will make driving easier and safer, you’ll still have to stay alert and be ready to make decisions. After all, technology isn’t foolproof!